Modern Art and the Art of Building Empathetic Communities
Modern art, as a movement, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by experimentation, innovation, and a rejection of traditional forms and techniques. It challenged the notion that art should only represent the natural world realistically and instead embraced abstraction, expressionism, and other forms of artistic expression. Modern art aimed to break down the barriers between art and everyday life, engaging with politics, social issues, and the human experience in new and provocative ways.
Modern art and building communities may seem like disparate topics but in reality…
Modern art has always been a form of expression for the personal experiences, perspectives, and emotions of an artist. But by sharing their stories and ideas, artists can create a sense of connection and understanding between people from different backgrounds and walks of life. They help us pay attention to important (and often difficult) topics that occur in society and affect both large groups of people and the individuals who make up these groups. Individuals who could potentially be members of the communities we build, as community managers. This is really important in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse and divided.
So what’s exactly in there for community managers?
By engaging with modern art and exploring its themes and messages, community managers can sharpen their sense of empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that their members may be facing. This can help to build a more inclusive and supportive environment, where all members feel valued and safe to share their stories and perspectives. Both modern art and community management are driven by a desire to connect with others and create meaning and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
Ready for some examples?
The American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work explores themes of race, identity, and social justice. Basquiat’s work reflects his own experiences as a young Black artist growing up in New York City and the experiences of many other young Black artists and activists during the 1980s.
Basquiat’s work includes paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces that explore the intersections of Blackness, art, and social justice. His work challenges traditional art world conventions and celebrates the power and resilience of a Black culture. By creating work that represents the diversity and complexity of Black experiences, Basquiat has helped to create a sense of connection and understanding between people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
Another example (I still regret I wasn’t able to get a ticket for her exhibition at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art) is the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Her work uses bright colors and bold patterns to explore themes of mental illness, femininity, and self-obliteration. Kusama’s work reflects her own experiences as a woman and an artist in a male-dominated art world.
Kusama’s work often involves the repetition of forms and patterns, creating immersive and hypnotic environments that encourage viewers to lose themselves in the work. Her work celebrates the beauty and power of female creativity and encourages viewers to embrace their own individuality and uniqueness. By using techniques and materials that reflect her experiences and the experiences of other women, Kusama has helped to create a sense of connection and understanding between people from different backgrounds.
Modern art and building communities are two seemingly distinct concepts that share a common goal of promoting openness, understanding, and connection. By embracing the lessons of modern art, community managers can become more aware of social issues and cultural differences, sharpen their sense of empathy and create inclusive and supportive spaces where all members feel valued and heard. Ultimately, the integration of modern art into community building offers a unique opportunity to create positive change, promote social justice, and build a brighter future for all.
